Study: Those recovering from the emerging coronavirus may have their immunity removed within months

 

 

7/15/2020

 

A study published Monday reported that people recovering from the emerging coronavirus may lose immunity to it within months, with experts indicating that these data may have a "significant" impact on how governments deal with the Covid-19 epidemic.

In a study of the first of its kind, researchers from "King's College" in London examined the levels of antibodies in more than 90 people infected with the emerging coronavirus, and watched how they changed over time.

Blood tests showed that the immune response to the virus appeared even in individuals who had minor symptoms.

And 60% of the group examined showed a "strong" immune response in the first weeks after infection.

However, after three months, only 15.7% of them maintained high levels of Covid-19 antibodies, while a few patients lost any detectable antibody in their blood.

When the body is exposed to an external danger, such as infection with a virus, the immune system generates cells that monitor and eliminate these viruses. For this purpose, the body produces proteins that carry antibodies that are specially formulated to target those antigens.

As long as the person has enough of these antibodies, his body is able to prevent any infection, which gives him immunity.

However, the study published Monday showed that immunity against the emerging corona virus may not last more than months, and this is also the case for immunity to other viruses such as influenza.

Better understanding .. for an effective vaccine

Experts said that these results may change how governments plan the next epidemiological stage, such as ways to fund, organize and develop research related to vaccines.

"This is an important study. It begins by identifying the long-term mechanisms of SARS-Cove-2 antibody response," or the emerging corona virus, said Lawrence Young, professor of molecular oncology at Warwick University.

Young added that the study "highlights our need for a better understanding of the protective immune response to be able to develop an effective vaccine."

Continue to take precautions

James Gale, Honorary Lecturer at the College of Medicine in Warwick, said that the study shows how important it is to continue taking measures to prevent the virus from spreading, especially with the start of the holiday season in Europe.

"Just as these patients were surprised that they enjoyed antibodies to Covid-19 in the first place, we should not be surprised that any preventive benefit resulting from them may be minor or transient," he said, adding "even those who have antibodies, especially those who were unable to determine the place where they were exposed For the virus, they should continue to be cautious, socially spaced, and properly using the muzzle